Tragedy looms if the welfare of children is not given priority. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew made this statement following a report about a toddler found wandering alone along Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Two women discovered the child and brought him to a nearby police station.
ACP Juki emphasized the police’s commitment to investigate all cases of child neglect thoroughly. He noted that the police had reached out on their official Facebook page for assistance in locating the toddler’s parents or guardians. Fortunately, the child was reunited with his family after the post garnered widespread attention.
He remarked that in such situations, authorities will investigate the potential negligence that might lead to legal charges against parents or guardians. “This is not the first such case we have encountered,” he said, expressing concern over the frequency of such incidents. ACP Juki referenced past tragedies involving children, including drownings and accidents resulting from a lack of supervision, all deemed avoidable with proper oversight.
The Acting Commissioner urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, as children are naturally curious and can quickly find themselves in danger without proper supervision.
In a related appeal, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran also stressed the importance of prioritizing children’s welfare. She addressed the challenges nuclear families face in urban areas regarding child care but emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent negligence.
Last Monday, a tragic incident occurred in Naitonitoni, Navua, where a one-year-old boy lost his life after allegedly being struck by a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old man. The child had left home without anyone noticing, highlighting the critical need for increased supervision and awareness among parents and guardians.